England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
